It is widely recognized that VA claim approvals can be a protracted process, often requiring several months of waiting, culminating in either a partial or complete denial of the claim. Although the VA is undergoing reforms, progress remains sluggish and continues to be a source of frustration. Here is a breakdown of the expected timeline for your claim decision.
Your claim has been acknowledged
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the initial step! After you have submitted your claim, you can expect to receive confirmation through an online notification if that is your chosen method of filing. Alternatively, you will receive a physical letter by mail. It is essential to ensure that you have included as much supporting information as possible before submitting your claim.
Evaluation
Your claim is currently in the hands of a representative who is conducting an evaluation. This phase is critical, as having all available evidence at this stage is of utmost importance. If you provide sufficient evidence initially, you will not need to gather additional information, which can expedite the processing of your claim. Once all the necessary evidence is received, your case proceeds to the decision-making phase.
VA ruling
You will propose a course of action for your claim based on the existing records. It is possible that your application may need to be returned to a previous stage
for additional investigation. If not, the recommended decision will undergo a re- evaluation, leading to a final decision. Once the final decision is reached, your award package will be dispatched. The overall processing time can extend to a year or even longer, depending on your location and the number of times your claim requires revisiting to gather additional information. Additionally, you might be eligible for a decision-ready claim. Determine your eligibility here.
Benefits for Active Service Members
Individuals nearing their discharge date enjoy a significant advantage. The Benefits Delivery at Discharge program is tailored specifically for military personnel in this situation. To be eligible, you must apply within 60 to 180 days before your discharge date. This approach is the most expedient for eligible members, ensuring a quicker return of your claim. Delaying the filing of your claim can make it increasingly challenging to obtain a prompt response.
Do not delay
With that said, do not hesitate to initiate the claim process! If you have been putting it off, find a moment now to take action. The sooner you file your claim, the quicker you will be in line to receive your benefits. And if your initial request is denied, do not delay lodging an appeal. Remember, the longer you postpone the appeals process, the more time it will take to have your case reviewed. That means more time without the compensation you deserve. E-Benefits can also provide an estimate of when you might expect to receive a response to your claim.
As always, VDC (Veteran Disability Claims Bootcamp) is available to assist in filing your claim. We are here to listen to your story and provide support throughout this journey, ultimately making it more straightforward for you. Feel free to reach out via email if you need our assistance!
